Fostering Classroom Culture with Student Engagement: A Reflection

Stephan HughesBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: A student asked about using ChatGPT for book summaries, initially innocently. The situation escalated as it’s revealed some students use ChatGPT to study. The teacher reflects on a missed opportunity for positive classroom discussion about AI use and maintaining a respectful atmosphere. “Sir, is it okay if we use Chat GPT to read the summaries of the book?” The … Read More

How Can We Fight Censorship?

Daniel LindstromBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Book challenges in the US nearly doubled in 2022, focusing largely on children’s and young people’s books. Response to censorship includes President Biden’s plan to appoint a federal coordinator to address book bans, along with efforts from educational organizations, librarians, and publishers like Penguin Random House. Various groups, such as the Great Books Foundation, are actively fighting censorship by … Read More

Using Read-Alouds to Boost Inquiry

Daniel LindstromBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Reading aloud enhances inquiry-centered learning and fosters joy in the classroom. It improves vocabulary, models fluent reading, and benefits auditory learners. Active listening during read-alouds promotes self-awareness, social-emotional learning, and positive associations with reading, especially beneficial for older students. Reading texts aloud to your students—no matter what their age or independent reading level—is a great way to intensify inquiry-centered … Read More

3 Questions For Curriculum Design Teams

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Traditional curriculum focuses on content coverage, but shifts are needed towards prioritizing student learning over teaching. Identifying common misunderstandings aids in adapting instruction, fostering deeper understanding for diverse learners. Ownership of learning must shift from teacher-led activities to student agency, with emphasis on transferable understanding for real-world application. 3 Questions For Curriculum Design Teams Traditional teaching focuses on content, … Read More

6 Path-Breaking Benefits of Virtual Reality in Education!

Aanya KapoorBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: VR revolutionizes education by offering immersive learning experiences, transforming traditional teaching methods into interactive and engaging lessons. It enhances engagement by allowing students to experience subjects firsthand, significantly improving retention compared to conventional methods. VR benefits all students, including those with disabilities, making education more inclusive and accessible while also providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional resources like textbooks and … Read More